Five cops charged for shooting of Alpha student

Five members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force were last night arrested by the Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) in connection with the shooting injury of a Convent of Mercy Academy (Alpha) student in Kingston last Thursday.

The police personnel, attached to the Mobile Reserve division, are to be placed before the parish court as soon as an identification parade and interviews are conducted, INDECOM said in a statement.

INDECOM said it launched an investigation into the shooting injury of the schoolgirl.

The incident occurred at the intersection of North Street and Mark Lane approximately 7:15 a.m.

The student underwent emergency surgery at the Kingston Public Hospital and was up to last night still recovering in the intensive care unit.

The report received by INDECOM was that a man who was operating an unregistered (or 'robot') taxi transporting students of Alpha and St George's College was allegedly stopped by the police.

It was also alleged that after the taxi stopped, the police opened fire at the vehicle.

One of the bullets hit one of the students in the head.

A team of INDECOM investigators and forensic examiners responded to the incident following the report.

The incident scene and motor car were processed and statements collected from eyewitnesses.

INDECOM is appealing to anyone who may have witnessed or can provide any information about the incident to call 1-876-968-1932, 1-876-878-0167, or visit its office in Kingston.

Persons are also encouraged to call INDECOM's new toll-free lines: 1-888-991-5555 or 1-888-935-5550.